Overview
ARA-290 is classified as a epo receptor agonist peptide. Neuropathic pain relief, small fiber neuropathy, anti-inflammation, tissue protection.
Selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR), a heterodimer of the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) and CD131 (βc receptor). Unlike full erythropoietin, ARA-290 binds only the IRR and not the classical erythropoietic homodimer receptor, conferring tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory effects without affecting red blood cell production, hematocrit, or platelet aggregation. Reduces corneal nerve fiber loss and improves small fiber neuropathy symptoms.
Also known as: Cibinetide, ARA290, Cyclic helix B peptide
Category
EPO Receptor Agonist
Half-Life
0.033h
Route
SubQ
FDA Status
Not Approved
How Does ARA-290 Work?
Selectively activates the innate repair receptor (IRR), a heterodimer of the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) and CD131 (βc receptor). Unlike full erythropoietin, ARA-290 binds only the IRR and not the classical erythropoietic homodimer receptor, conferring tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory effects without affecting red blood cell production, hematocrit, or platelet aggregation. Reduces corneal nerve fiber loss and improves small fiber neuropathy symptoms.
At the molecular level, ARA-290 operates through pathways characteristic of the EPO Receptor Agonist class, interacting with target receptors and downstream signaling cascades to produce its observed effects.
Published Research
The following studies are indexed from PubMed and peer-reviewed journals:
[1]ARA 290 improves symptoms in patients with sarcoidosis-associated small fiber neuropathy
Culver et al. (Molecular Medicine): Phase 2 RCT — ARA-290 significantly improved neuropathic pain scores, fatigue, and corneal nerve fiber density in sarcoidosis patients with small fiber neuropathy vs placebo.
Evidence: moderate[2]ARA-290 reduces corneal nerve fiber density loss in painful diabetic neuropathy
Van Velzen et al.: ARA-290 treatment stabilized corneal nerve fiber loss and reduced neuropathic pain scores in a diabetic neuropathy cohort, demonstrating nerve-protective effects.
Evidence: moderate[3]The innate repair receptor mediates the anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective actions of EPO
Brines et al.: Defines the IRR as the mechanistic target for tissue protection, distinguishing it from the erythropoietic receptor and validating selective IRR agonists as safe alternatives to EPO.
Evidence: preclinicalSafety Profile
Has completed Phase 2 human trials. Very short plasma half-life (~2 minutes) but prolonged pharmacodynamic effect. No erythropoietic activity — does not raise hematocrit. Well tolerated in trials. Not FDA-approved. Research only.
| Side Effect | Incidence | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Injection site reaction | ~10% of trial participants | mild |
| Mild headache | ~8% | mild |
Sourcing ARA-290 for Research
If you're looking to source ARA-290 for laboratory research, our vendor directory compares pricing, purity testing, and COA verification from independently vetted suppliers.
Disclosure: PeptiDex may earn a commission from affiliate links. This does not affect our recommendations.
Full Research Profile
ARA-290 — dosing, interactions, timelines & more
Comprehensive compound profile with sourcing information, stacking synergies, and outcome timelines.